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Staking provides a young tree with
support it needs until the trunk is strong enough to hold it's canopy
upright. Careful attention must be paid to the way a tree is
staked - if improperly done, staking can weaken a tree and cause serious
damage and deformity. Though, most newly planted trees will grow
better if they are not staked. By leaving the young tree to move
freely in the wind, it will develop a better root system and a stronger,
more tapered trunk. However, protective staking may be required on
sites where lawn mower damage, vandalism or windy conditions are of concern.
Most trees will not need to be
staked longer than a year, but should be left for at least one growing season. As
soon as the tree can stand on its own, remove the stakes.
Should
you stake your new tree or not? Ask us.
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Follow the guidelines for properly staking a deciduous tree:
Choose two strong stakes, hardwood or
softwood, Pine of Hemlock will last longer. These stakes should be at least 6 feet
tall, about 2 inches square and pointed on one end to easily penetrate the ground.
Determine the direction of the prevailing
wind and insert the stakes exactly opposite one another, about 2 feet from the stem, in
line with the wind. For example: if the wind direction is westerly, then place the
stakes North & South.
Drive the stakes vertically at least 2
feet into the ground. Try to bury the stakes so they are the same height above
ground. When finished, stakes should stand upright at about 4 feet.
Cut 2 pieces of flexible wire, each measuring at least 5 feet
long. Also, cut up an old garden hose into 2 eighteen-inch lenths. Then, slip
the hose over the wire, and wrap the hose around the tree to protect the trunk from the
wire. Pull equal lengths of the wire parallel to the ground and attach to the top of
the stake.
Twist the wires together on the outside of the stake to make the
wire taut and nip off any excess.
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 Properly staking an evergreen is different from staking a deciduous tree:
- Use 3 short stakes,
each measuring about 4 feet long. At a
distance of 2-3 feet from the outside
branches, bury the first one at least 2 feet in the ground into the
prevailing wind at a 45° angle.
Space the others evenly around the evergreen.
- Use the same amount of wire and hose as
described in the steps for staking a deciduous tree, but rather than
pulling the wires parallel to the ground, angle them from the height of
four feet on the trunk down the stakes. Twist taut as before.
Long eye or U bolts can be used to secure the wire to the stakes.
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